S-LCD Corporation, a Samsung - Sony joint venture, held a "topping out" ceremony to celebrate a milestone of the construction of the 8th-generation LCD fabrication line at the Tanjeong production complex.

"Topping out" is the placement of the uppermost steel beam, signifying that the structure is close to its completion. At the ceremony, officials of S-LCD said the new facility would trigger a "new growth surge" for the company.

S-LCD started mass producing LCD panels on the 7G line in April 2005, nine months after the company was officially launched. As a result of that collaboration, both Samsung and Sony have had access to a stable supply of 40" LCD TV panels.

By July 2006, the 7G fabrication line at S-LCD will be capable of processing 75,000 mother-glass substrates (1,870mm x 2,200mm) per month, with a goal of increasing this monthly capacity to 90,000 units in early 2007.

Next fall, the 8G S-LCD line will commence operations, adding another 50,000 mother-glass substrates (measuring a record 2,200mm x 2,500mm) to the overall monthly production capacity. The 8th-generation fabrication line will mainly be used to produce LCD panels for 52" or larger diagonal LCD TVs.

Mr. Won-kie Chang, CEO of S-LCD and Executive Vice President of Samsung Electronics, says: "Our success in 7G production has already provided a springboard for a new round of growth at S-LCD. Once our 8G line is up and running, we will assume the leading position as a LCD TV panel manufacturer for the 50" LCD TV range."